Don Cornelius Commits Suicide at Age 75! Self Inflicted Gunshot to the Head.
Don Cornelius, “thee” Don Cornelius has committed suicide. Early reports say that the 75 year old took his life by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sources say he was suffering from Dementia.
At 4 A.M. police found him at his Sherman Oaks, California home with a wound to the head. He was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead.
SOUL TRAIN – HIS LEGACY
Don was known around the world for being the host of Soul Train. A Chicago DJ, he created the dance show which originally aired in Chicago and then moved into syndication and ended up being enjoyed around the world. Cornelius was the shows host from 1971-1993. He was publically not a fan of hip hop and gave up his position in front of the camera to executive produce the show as rap emerged and soul and funk gave way to R&b. This allowed a younger generation of hosts to come aboard and try to recapture the original 14-24 demographic. The show ran a total of 25 years before going off the air in 2006. 
It was the longest running dance show, bringing the best R&B, Soul and funk acts to TV. People all over the world were able to see their favorite acts perform; it was a staple in every African American household on Saturday morning. You watched the hottest artists and you learned the latest dances while getting ready to show them off on Saturday night.
When I say top talent, I mean top talent! Legends! Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Tina Turner….the list goes on.
The show also gave birth to the Soul Train Line. For those who don’t know, that’s what you see at weddings and mimicked in TV shows, where dancers line up on two sides, creating a pathway for other dancers to follow while performing dance moves.
Soul Train also gave birth to the Soul Train music awards, where R&B, jazz and gospel performers are honored for their achievements.
RECENT ISSUES
Don Cornelius and Ex-Wife Victoria! Go Don!!
In 2008, Cornelius was arrested for laying hands on his wife at the time. They were in a tumultuous relationship which ended in a bad divorce. In 2009 he told the judge that he was experiencing significant health issues and wanted to make sure his divorce was finalized before he died.
He pleaded no contest to the domestic violence charges and his divorce was granted in 2010.
Quincy Jones released a statement to the AP that pretty much sums it up,
“Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was ‘Soul Train,’ that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”
R.I.P. Thanks for taking us on the hippest trip in America – love, peace and soul.
-Cosmo
Of Course I had to give you a taste of the Soul Train Line!!
